Once the blooming season wraps up and we head into fall, dogwood shrubs usually start showing off a bunch of tiny berries. But here’s the thing: not all dogwood fruit is safe for us to eat. I’m going to walk you through which berries are actually edible and how you can use them in your kitchen.
What Do the Berries Look Like?
The way these berries look really depends on which dogwood variety you have in your yard. For example, the Common Dogwood produces small, round berries that range from red to a deep blue-black. On the other hand, the Kousa Dogwood (Japanese Flowering Dogwood) grows red fruits that look a whole lot like raspberries.
How the Fruit Develops
After the blooming period ends, those lovely dogwood flowers transform into small fruits. You’ll usually see them growing in little clusters along the branches.
Using Fruit for Propagation
Inside those berries are tiny seeds that you can actually use if you want to propagate your dogwood. Just a heads-up, though: growing them from seed is a bit of a project, and honestly, the birds usually beat you to it!
For birds, these berries aren’t just a tasty snack. Since the seeds are tucked inside the fruit, birds naturally spread them around the neighborhood after eating. It’s the dogwood’s clever way of planting the next generation with a little help from its feathered friends.
A Word of Caution: Don’t Eat Them Raw!
Here is the most important rule: never eat dogwood berries raw. Across all species, they are pretty much unpalatable straight off the bush. Some varieties are even mildly toxic and can cause a nasty stomach ache or nausea, while others just taste plain awful until they’re cooked.
Which Varieties Are Edible?
The good news is that once they are processed and cooked, the berries from certain species are actually delicious. The main ones you’re looking for are:
- Common Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
- Kousa Dogwood (Japanese Dogwood)
- Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)
How to Use Your Harvest
If you have one of the non-toxic varieties, there are so many ways to turn them into a treat. Cooking them really brings out the flavor! They are perfect for making:
- Jams and jellies
- Syrups
- Liqueurs
- Juices
Pro tip: Dogwood berries play really well with others. Try mixing them with apples or peaches to create your own signature fruit blend!
